ALIENS VS. PREDATOR: MA15+ After Review
December 18, 2009
The Review Board have just announced that the ban on ALIENS VS. PREDATOR has been lifted. The rating has been dropped to MA15+ (Strong science fiction violence).
This is the first successful games appeal since F.E.A.R. 2: PROJECT ORIGIN in 2008. Not so lucky was LEFT 4 DEAD 2 which the Review Board recently confirmed as RC.
Check-out Nexiva's great clip illustrating the Classification Board's inconsistency in rating films and games.
Australian Government
Classification Review Board
18 December 2009
MEDIA RELEASE
Aliens vs Predator classified MA 15+
A three-member panel of the Classification Review Board (the Review Board) has unanimously determined that the computer game Aliens vs Predator is classified MA 15+ with the consumer advice 'Strong science fiction violence'.
In the Review Board's opinion the violence depicted in the game can be accommodated within the MA 15+ category as the violent scenes are not prolonged and are interspersed with longer non violent sequences. The violence is fantastical in nature and justified by the context of the game, set in a futuristic science-fiction world, inhabited by aliens and predators. This context serves to lessen its impact. The more contentious violence is randomly generated and is not dependent on player selection of specific moves.
Computer games classified MA 15+ are not suitable for persons under 15 years of age. MA 15+ computer games are legally restricted.
The Review Board convened today in response to an application from the distributor of the computer game, Sega, to review the decision made by the Classification Board on 3 December 2009 to classify Aliens vs Predator RC (Refused Classification).
In reviewing the classification, the Review Board worked within the framework of the National Classification Scheme, applying the provisions of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games. This is the same framework used by the Classification Board.
The Review Board is an independent merits review body. Meeting in camera, it makes a fresh classification decision upon receipt of an application for review. This Review Board decision takes the place of the original decision made by the Classification Board.
The Review Board's reasons for this decision will appear on the Classification website when finalised.
Statement authorised by Melissa de Zwart, Classification Review Board
2009: Games Censorship
We are unlikely to see any further games censorship for 2009, so here is a brief look at the final tally for the year.
Six titles were banned, the highest total ever.
 | NECROVISION |
| SEXY POKER |
| LEFT 4 DEAD 2 |
| RISEN |
| CRIMECRAFT |
| ALIENS VS. PREDATOR |
Of these, three were censored for lower ratings.
| NECROVISION: Rated M |
| SEXY POKER: Rated M |
| LEFT 4 DEAD 2: Rated MA15+ |
Two remain banned.
| RISEN |
| CRIMECRAFT |
Two appeals were made to the Review Board, of which one failed, and one succeeded.
| LEFT 4 DEAD 2: Rated RC (uncut) |
| ALIENS VS. PREDATOR: Rated MA15+ |
Will we see a games R18+ in 2010?
2010 is shaping up to be an interesting year on the games censorship front.
First up we have finally seen the long awaited release of the Games R18+ Discussion Paper. The closing date is February 28th 2010 which gives everyone plenty of time to get a decent submission together.
Secondly, David Doe plans to stand against Michael Atkinson in next years South Australian State election. David announced this week that he had quit his job to concentrate on the campaign so give him your support by joining or donating to Gamers for Croydon.
December 18, 2009
Refused-Classification.com
